OUT THE GATE: Mark Teixeira now joins Dave Winfield as the only Yankees in franchise history to hit home runs in each of the first three games of a season, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Winfield did it in 1983. Elias also found that the nine home runs hit by the Yankees as a team is the most in franchise history through three games.

ONE TO WATCH: You have to figure Boone Logan is going to see Justin Morneau at some point over the next four games and the Twins first baseman has had success against Logan in the past. Morneau is 7-for-13 with a homer and four RBI off Logan in his career.

SMALL SAMPLE: Not much to go on with Ivan Nova and the Twins – his only appearance against them last year was a one-inning relief appearance at home in May. For what it’s worth, Nova didn’t allow a run.

UPDATE, 7:45 p.m.: Well, not too shabby for Ivan Nova so far, eh? CC Sabathia was raving earlier today about Nova’s presence and poise, and so far the kid doesn’t exactly look bothered by being a full-fledged member of the rotation. It also sure looks like Jorge Posada is getting pretty comfortable with the whole DH thing. 4-0 Yankees in the bottom of the second.

UPDATE, 7:57 p.m.: A leadoff walk is no problem for Nova, who continues to look in control. Double play gets him out of the third and it’s still 4-0.

UPDATE, 8:11 p.m.: And the fourth unravels a bit for Nova after he recorded the first two outs. A double for Justin Morneau broke up the no-hitter, an infield single got Delmon Young on and then Jim Thome absolutely crushed a ball to right-center for a two-run double. It’s 4-2 now going to the bottom of the fourth.

UPDATE, 8:27 p.m.: Unlucky for Gardner, who could use a break. Delmon Young flat robbed him of a two-run double (triple?) with a great grab down the left-field line. It stays 4-2, Yankees.

UPDATE, 8:49 p.m.: Nova gives up a leadoff single to Morneau which gets the bullpen working – Boone Logan got up – but then induced a double-play from Delmon Young and whiffs Thome swinging to get through the sixth. Still 4-3 Yanks.

UPDATE, 9:04 p.m.: And that’s it for Nova. Very, very solid effort. Joba on now to protect the lead.

UPDATE, 9:17 p.m.: The Yankees reliever flow chart continues with Soriano, now coming in for the eighth. Still 4-3.